Understanding Latin Americans: With Special Reference to Religious Values and Movements

Despite their apparent similarities, the cultures of Latin American and North American differ remarkably. These differences sometimes cause misunderstanding and tragic failures in communication. In order to aid in mutual understanding, we need a study to find norms and shared values within different Latin American cultures.

Understanding Latin Americans helps readers gain new insights into matters that Latins themselves have explored and describe. Part I presents an analysis of basic Latin personality characteristics, as described primarily by Latin psychologists. Part II explores four aspects of the background and developments within Latin America religious life. Special attention is given to movements within Protestantism.

Eugene Nida sought to spur ongoing, productive dialogue between Latins and North Americans. This ambition motivated Nida to speaks meaningfully about similarities and differences between cultures. He explores an array of values that mark many spheres of Latin life, whether religious, philosophical, political, aesthetic, social, and familial. This book encourages readers to rethink cultural assumptions as we learn from one another.

EUGENE A. NIDA is a consultant on translations for the Ameri-can Bible Society and the United Bible Societies. He has worked in more than 85 different countries with translators producing texts in more than 200 languages. He is also the author of over 30 books on translation, linguistics, anthropology, and missions, and through the years has contributed a number of articles to scientific journals. Other published works by Dr. Nida include God's Word in Man's Language, Customs and Cultures, Religion Across Cultures, and Understanding Latin Americans.